(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – The nearly 30 Workers employed at PUSH Buffalo united to Unionize with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1122 because of a lack of stability and transparency within their non-profit workplace, as well as wanting “a voice on the job,” according to CWA Local 1122 Representatives.

“The Workers at PUSH Buffalo began organizing a year or so (before reaching out the CWA) after two of their fellow Co-Workers were fired.  They filed an Unfair Practice Charge against the employer ‘and that’s what led to them affiliated with a National Union,’” National CWA Senior Campaign Leader Theresa Shaffer tells WNYLaborToday.com.

“‘They approached us’ and Theresa worked with them,” added CWA Local 1122 President John Mudie, telling Your On-Line Labor Newspaper: “They ‘had no way to address a number of issues’ (in the workplace).  ‘They feared a lack of stability’ (inside the workplace) and ‘they needed to have their voices heard.’”

Founded in 2002, PUSH Buffalo works with City Residents to create strong neighborhoods with quality, affordable housing, to expand local hiring opportunities and to advance economic and environmental justice.  The non-profit’s Community Organizers also work with partners and funders to create a healthy, just and strong city that includes community control of resources, living wage jobs and access to quality education, health care and transportation.

After some initial resistance, PUSH Buffalo management voluntarily recognized their Workers’ Union, as “well over (60%) of the Employees (had) signed Union Cards,” Mudie said. 

“That ‘was nice.’  ‘There was no B.S.,’” he said.

These newest CWA Members are employed in a variety of positions at PUSH Buffalo, including Community Energy, Housing Justice Organizing, Sustainability, PUSH Green and Community Energy, to name but a few.

“(The CWA) ‘represents a lot of Workers employed by non-profits’ and the Workers (at PUSH Buffalo) ‘talked to each other’ (Workers employed at other area non-profits).  They’re ‘ecstatic’ (about being Union-represented), ‘very happy,’” Shaffer said.

Negotiations are continuing on a first contract. 

Mudie said the two sides met a week or so ago and have another bargaining session scheduled for June 10th.

“We’ve got a three-Member Bargaining Team (including PUSH Buffalo Employees).  They’re a ‘great group’ of people,” Mudie said.